The Divine Image
The Divine Image - context Summary
Published in 1789
Written and published in 1789 as part of Songs of Innocence, Blake's poem presents Mercy, Pity, Peace and Love as both divine attributes and human qualities. It expresses a mystical, humanistic vision: virtues incarnate God and bind all people across religious difference. The poem argues that divine presence is evident wherever these virtues dwell, emphasizing universality and the moral worth of compassion in human society.
Read Complete AnalysesTo Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love All pray in their distress; And to these virtues of delight Return their thankfulness. For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love Is God, our father dear, And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love Is Man, his child and care. For Mercy has a human heart, Pity a human face, And Love, the human form divine, And Peace, the human dress. Then every man, of every clime, That prays in his distress, Prays to the human form divine, Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace. And all must love the human form, In heathen, Turk, or Jew; Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell There God is dwelling too.
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